Great Advice for Small Ship TravelersEdited by Jennifer L. Price Do you enjoy cruising, but find the big ships don’t give you enough time to enjoy small towns? Or the big ships are always too crowded without any privacy or intimacy? A growing trend in the travel is traveling on small ships, which allow guests to enter ports that larger ships cannot, intimate groups with small sizes, but still have everything taken care of for you. A new free 74-page booklet titled “101 Tips for Small Ship Travelers Abroad” may be just what you need to learn more about this type of travel. Travel by small ship is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry.
In January, the Associated Press cited European river cruises, a popular type of small ship travel, as "among the hottest new trends in travel as 2007 begins." Defined as vessels with 400 or fewer passengers, small ships include river ships, barges, yachts, clippers, freighters, small ocean-faring vessels, expedition ships, and others, while service can vary from a six-star luxury yacht cruise to a no-frills vacation on a working coastal steamer.  "101 Tips for Small Ship Travelers Abroad" introduces travelers to the concept of small ship travel, helps them choose a ship type and cabin, and includes sections on preparing for travel, maximizing the experience, and returning home. Among the 101 tips offered are those on choosing a trip, medical and health issues, insurance, packing, communicating in a foreign country, shopping, tipping, photography, traveling as a single, and more. The booklet's reference section includes cruise terminology and nautical terms, visa information, a list of medical resources, a conversion chart, tipping chart, glossary of booking terms, and more.
A few of the sample tips offered include: Know How to Compare Itineraries—Avoid the common mistake of choosing an itinerary just because it has the greatest number of ports. What really matters is how much time you'll spend in places you're most interested in. Your published itinerary should indicate arrival and departures times for each port—be sure you have ample time to explore.  Determine The Type And Style Of Small Ships That Best Suit You—Choose a ship with the right level of accommodation and general style. Would you prefer to experience southern France aboard a deluxe river ship with modern appointments, or a slower-moving, classic barge? Is a cabin with a balcony a must? Would you rather cruise the Aegean under full sail, or aboard a sleek, motorized yacht? Be specific with your travel agent or cruise company up front, and you'll be most satisfied in the end.
Pick the Right Cabin—One benefit of small ships is that most (if not all) cabins are outside. Find out if yours has an obstructed view (say, from a lifeboat or other ship apparatus). If balconies are available, it might be worth it to reserve one if you'll be cruising along scenic waterways in the evening or early morning. Ask which direction you'll be sailing so you can request a cabin that faces the shore. Use A Soft-Sided Duffel Bag For Flexibility—On some small ships, your cabin size is smaller than a hotel room, so you'll need a bag that can store easily in a small closet or under a bed. Leave your hard-sided suitcase at home.  Photography—Use a tripod or a beanbag on the ship's railing to steady your camera while onboard. (A lightweight mini tripod should only cost around $5.00). Bring a polarizing filter to reduce glare from the sun and water.
The book is offered by Grand Circle Corporation, a the leader in international travel, adventure and discovery for Americans 50+. Grand Circle offers more than 40 small ship itineraries through its fleet of 50+ ships. In March, Travel + Leisure readers rated Grand Circle the #1 World's Best Value Cruise Line, while in January, Condé Nast Traveler named Grand Circle to its Gold List of World's Best Cruise Lines. Last year, 77% of Grand Circle travelers rated their small ship experiences as "excellent." Back to TravelLady Magazine |
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